The Organisers of Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards billed for Saturday, Dec. 3 in Owerri, Imo, has renamed the ‘Best Soundtrack’ in Movie Category after Late Musician, Sammie Okposo.
They announced a few last-minute changes to make the awards a truly memorable one in honour of the memory of the ace Gospel Artiste, who died in the early hours of Friday, Nov. 25.
The organisers renamed the Best Soundtrack after the late ‘Wellu Wellu’ singer, who in his lifetime was described as a general in God’s army and took the gospel beyond the church.
This is contained in a statement by Seun Oloketuyi, Convener of the award made available to the journalists.
In addition, Hypo has joined the train of sponsors for the awards and had endowed the Best Short Film Category.
The BON organisers revealed that Hypo would be giving the winner of that category funds to shoot a short film on hygiene.
Speaking on the latest developments, founder, BON Awards, Oloketuyi stated that the fact that newer innovations were coming in this close to the awards was a testament that 2022 edition would be bigger and better than previous editions.
“Sammie Okposo in his lifetime was a force, and he did a lot for the growth of gospel music in Nigeria and beyond. We are not a music award, but we feel the need to honour him in some way.
“This was what inspired us to rename the Best Soundtrack category after him. His loss will be felt by all and this is just a way to immortalise him.
“Hypo’s endowment of the short film category is a really big one. Winning an award for something you have done well, and then getting funds to do it again is a feeling any producer will welcome and I am excited for the winner and winners in other categories,” he said.
Oloketuyi said the host of the 2022 edition of the BON awards, Gov. Hope Uzodinma has opened his doors for the entertainment industry, particularly the movie sector, to contribute to the financial growth of the state’s economy through tourism and complement the governor’s achievements in the state.
“This is the 14th edition and the second time this indigenous movie awards will be held in the Southeast.
“One of the reasons we decided to host the awards in Imo this year is because the history and story of Nollywood will not be complete without mentioning Imo because there are lots of Imo indigenes who have done well in the industry.
“It will be remembered that Uzodinma has reiterated his commitment to the entertainment industry, revealing that government will continue to support artistes to achieve their primary objectives.
“He further expressed his readiness to give maximum support to the Nigerian entertainment industry as well as make Imo state more conducive for ease of doing business for filmmakers,” Oloketuyi said.
The hosts for this edition are the duo of Lateef Adedimeji and Queen Nwokoye.